NMR study of macro domains (MDs) from betacoronavirus: backbone resonance assignments of SARS–CoV and MERS–CoV MDs in the free and the ADPr-bound state

SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV Macro Domains (MDs) exhibit topological and conformational features that resemble the nsP3b macro (or “X”) domain of SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, all the three domains (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV MDs) fold in a three-layer α/β/α sandwich structure, as reported by crystallographic structural investigation of SARS-CoV MD and MERS-CoV MD. These viral MDs are able to bind ADP-ribose as many other MDs from different kingdoms. They have been characterized also as de-ADP-ribosylating enzymes. For this reason, these viral macrodomains recently emerged as important drug targets since they can counteract antiviral ADP-ribosylation mediated by poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARPs). Even in presence of the 3D structures of SARS-CoV MD and of MERS-CoV MD, we report herein the almost complete NMR backbone (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N) of SARS-CoV MD and MERS-CoV proteins in the free and ADPr bound forms, and the NMR chemical shift-based prediction of their secondary structure elements. These NMR data will help to further understanding of the atomic-level conformational dynamics of these proteins and will allow an extensive screening of small molecules as potential antiviral drugs.